Caley Thistle manager Richie Foran is ready for the challenge of replacing Greg Tansey but feels the Aberdeen-bound midfielder still has plenty to offer the Highlanders in the remaining nine games this season.
Tansey yesterday signed a three-year pre-contract with the Dons, ending Reds manager Derek McInnes’ long pursuit of the Englishman, who was the subject of a failed £200,000 bid in January 2016.
Although the 28-year-old has committed his future elsewhere, Foran is confident Tansey will not ease his way through his final games for Inverness, who sit above bottom-placed Hamilton on goal difference.
Foran said: “He has been a legend for Inverness, one of the best players to come here. We will really miss him but he goes with the greatest of respect. He has given us everything.
“He will be sorely missed but now we have the challenge of finding the new Greg Tansey. It’s a challenge we look forward to. We have set up a very good recruitment plan and we have very good scouts in place.
“We play Aberdeen on Tuesday and he will want to show the Aberdeen supporters what they are getting. Hopefully, that will be a great performance for us.”
Foran claims Tansey was not driven by finances, with the Caley Jags manager saying he understands the appeal of his move to Pittodrie, where he will link up with several former team-mates including Jonny Hayes, Graeme Shinnie and Miles Storey.
Foran added: “I am sure Aberdeen can offer more money than we can but Greg doesn’t play football for money. He wants a new challenge, maybe a new pressure on his shoulders. He maybe thinks they can challenge for the league title down the years.
“He will be playing in front of bigger crowds, playing in Europe, so you can see why he wanted to go to Aberdeen. They have a really good manager there and a really good side.
“Aberdeen have been chasing Greg for numerous years now and eventually got the player. It is a great signing for them.
“I’ve got to say, Aberdeen have been great. I spoke to Derek McInnes two or three times over the last couple of weeks and he was keeping me informed and up to date.
“There’s huge respect between the teams. I wish they didn’t keep coming in and taking our players but it means we’re doing something right and the club, as a whole, is doing something right.
“Good on him – I just hope Greg goes and has a successful time there because he has been immense for us.”